Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-11-22
QUALITIES OF FRIENDSHIP.
Reply to an ar icIo Written by Ella
Wheeler Wilcox


Reply to an ar icIo Written by Ella
Wheeler wilcox
Philadelphia Prose-
read with much interest in the Sunday
Pres of November sn article called ga
! Matter of Friends" by Ella Wheeler
Wilcox, and think that many will differ
slightly from that gifted woman. She
places her "own personal experiences"
and impressions" together "With the
other testimony" and gives us her
interesting conclusions, which L have
answered with the following senti-
ments:
Isl. Men are more enthusiastic end
ready to espouse the cause Of woman than
her sister women are"
Certainly, as God has implanted within
the heart of man a spirit of gallantry,
protection and help towards the weaker
sex which they may express more readily;
but the same feelings, however, exist and
belong to true womanhood.
"2. Women, when their interest is
fnslly won, are more lasting in their
friendships"
Lasting friendships depends upon the
nobility of soul. Shakespeare tells US:
''The friends thou hast,
And their devotion tried;
Grspple them TO thy soul
With hooks of steel.'
So when one WINS the interest and friend
ship of man, the good fellowship is just
as enduring, although business duties
snd multitude of cares may prevent
many expressions of the same.
"3. There is an instructive rivalry be-
tween women, which, until it is over
come by the bonds of sympathy, is q bar
TO true, unself1sh friendshiO."
There is often among women spirit of
ambition which, in it's expression aud
enthusiasm of friendship between friend
| and friend, may descend into rivalry and,
| unfortunately, competition in friendship
is apt to stir up strife.
90. There is instructive attraction be-
TWEEN men and women which is a bar to
| safe and unselfiIh friendship"
True, the aft atty is often great and
! friendship perhaps unsafe, but one
ought to cultivate strong spirit of self
| protection which, like all other virtues, is
| strengthened by practice, and "practice
mskes perfect" and friendship between
man and woman can exist TO the mutual
| pleasure of both, but the moment the
interest and attention is such as to re-
| feet and not add TO ones own good it
! lowers the noble standard.
"5. Men expect more in return for
| their favOrs than women do.'
! II men look for compensation more
readily than women in return for their
favors l think it not q lack of principle so
| much as an Outgrowth of unconscious
business quality inherited by the mascu-
| line mind.
sc Men are far more agreeable to ap-
! prOach in any matter requiring courtesy
and politeness."
The natural relation of the two sexes
| will generally develop an easy politeness
and courtesy, whether it be O domestic,
social or business affair
80. Women are far safer and more reli-
a ole friends in the long run"
Friendship among women is a delight
full sentiment, but they are remarkably
cruel to their own sex and niggardly in
mercy.
SO The frien 1ship of men noticeably
decreases after a woman marries."
The reason for this is much to their
credit. However high the regard, any
| intelligent man would feel that after q
woman marries her husband should be the
friend Of all friends. 1t need not dimin-
ish the appreciation of the acquaintance.
$50. The friendship of woman notice
ably streng hens AFTER woman marries."
"Nothing succeeds so well as success"
and as matrimony is naturally the chief
end of woman q fortunate marriage will
certainly strengthen friendship, and that
lOporably. As our natures "run either
to herbs or needs" so true friendship is
an earnest quail y Of the soul that brings
with it cheerfu'ness, encouragement and
sympathy to brighten our lives
ELLA CHAPLIN DEARDEN.
Philadelphia, N Jvember IL.